New Most Active User Algorithm!

John
July 16, 2007, 08:35 AM posted in General Discussion

We just implemented a new algorithm for the Most Active User (on the Conversations page right sidebar).  Now it not only takes into account all your comments (including Extra content) and new posts, but it also takes into account something else.

Can anyone figure out what the "something else" is??? 

Looks like I have made it onto the Most Active User list as well... Lookout, Bazza!

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johnb
July 16, 2007, 08:54 AM

Judging by your entry into the most active user list, I surmise the something else is height.

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John
July 17, 2007, 07:22 AM

xiaohu says: My guess is, the amount of posts by an individual after going to the new version of the site, amount of new posts, amound of others responses to your posts (whether posts initiated by you, or others posting responses to the posts made by you on others threads and / or lesson theads) and MOST IMPORTANTLY the ammount of B's A's ZZ's and a's in your username. Smart man. I can neither confirm nor deny the B/A/Z bonus theory, but the other part is pretty much spot on. The formula goes something like this: (your total lesson comments + your total new posts) + (total responses to your new posts - your own responses to your new posts) The funny thing is that your guesses about the new algorithm were racking up points for me under the new algorithm! MUAHAHAHAHA! (The point, obviously, is to reward people that start good discussions.)

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rich
July 16, 2007, 08:55 AM

I thought about just posting that over and over again to make a point.... but naaaa. :P

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henning
July 16, 2007, 09:03 AM

You definately calculated in the registration date. That is why I am in there with those 1 or 2 posts I have written over the course of the time. As you can easily read on my profile page I registered November 30, 1999 - using a secret time warping device I am not allowed to talk about!

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henning
July 16, 2007, 09:25 AM

Ups, now I am down to 46 again. Maybe the additional factor is a random number?

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henning
July 16, 2007, 09:26 AM

And one refresh later up to 81???

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John
July 16, 2007, 09:39 AM

@johnb: Wrong! @Rich: No, actually, the tweak to the algorithm is designed to not reward "meaningless" posts as much. @Henning: Wrong! The algorithm has no registration biases (but it would take a week before a brand new user is on equal footing with everyone else).

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bazza
July 16, 2007, 09:45 AM

Does it include blog posts as well? I note Frank is quite high up now.

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italiana
July 16, 2007, 10:13 AM

I noticed yesterday night, mine was at 52 and when I woke up it had changed to 104!!!

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goulnik
July 16, 2007, 11:02 AM

User-generated posts, not just replies? BTW, you may also want to indicate the number of posts of others, not just the top ones.

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rich
July 16, 2007, 08:54 AM

Oh great, now watch people start posting meaningless posts just to get on the list.... like this one...

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man2toe
July 16, 2007, 07:39 PM

My guess is the algorithm tallies the actual lessons that user has studied. Maybe the user has to use the discussion, vocab, expansion, and exercise to get a tally. Close?

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man2toe
July 16, 2007, 07:47 PM

Hmm, that guess might not work with John's name being in there, but I would be interested in a tally like the aforementioned.

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Lantian
July 17, 2007, 01:53 AM

How can John be there and not Amber? A little academic team boss manipulation me thinks!

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frank
July 17, 2007, 03:08 AM

Yeah, Lantian! And where's Eileen! This is just another prime example of The Man trying to keep people down! ;-)

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xiaohu
July 17, 2007, 04:11 AM

My guess is, the amount of posts by an individual after going to the new version of the site, amount of new posts, amound of others responses to your posts (whether posts initiated by you, or others posting responses to the posts made by you on others threads and / or lesson theads) and MOST IMPORTANTLY the ammount of B's A's ZZ's and a's in your username.

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frank
July 17, 2007, 04:20 AM

I'll get you 我的漂亮... and your little algorithm, too!

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man2toe
July 17, 2007, 05:00 AM

"This is just another prime example of The Man trying to keep people down! ;-)" ? Please explain for us Frank. Thank you.

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frank
July 17, 2007, 05:13 AM

I may be showing my age here, Man2Toe. LOL It's a joke phrase. Back in the (gulp) late 60's and early 70's, there was a common perception among some radical ethnic groups that The Man (i.e. white folks) were trying to oppress people of other races, creeds and colors. (That perception wasn't always unfounded.) Amber and Eileen both post a lot, but their totals don't show on the board. I was making a joke that John (The Man) Pasden was deliberately skewing the ratings to make himself look better. :-) That phrase wasn't always seen as a humorous statement, but we've kind of relaxed our view of it in recent years. In fact, it plays a prominent role in such films as "Undercover Brother," a film which lampoons the blacksploitation (sp?) films of the 70's (think Shaft). Hope that clears it up. The comment was made with tongue firmly planted in cheek!

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danjo
July 16, 2007, 12:48 PM

Length of posts? Your user name being referenced in others' posts? I imagine Aric might have created one based on attractiveness in profile picture.